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1933

#1 overall NBA Draft pick Dick Ricketts is born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

1948

The Washington Capitols defeat their arch rival Baltimore Bullets 83-82 for a 15th consecutive win to open the season, setting a record that would stand alone for 67 years (they lost three nights later to the Indianapolis Jets in their 16th game).

1956

Four-time NBA All-Star Bernard King is born in Brooklyn, New York.

1964

Walt Bellamy sets the Bullets (now Wizards) single game franchise record with 37 rebounds in a 108-106 victory over the St. Louis Hawks. Bellamy also finishes the game with 37 points.

1973

Corliss Williamson is born in Russellville, Arkansas. He was a Gatorade All-American while starring at Russellville High School, where his #34 jersey is retired.

1976

WNBA Finals MVP Betty Lennox is born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

1979

Bingo Smith has his jersey #7 retired by the Cavaliers. Smith was an expansion draft pick of Cleveland and spent nine-and-a-half seasons with the team, most notably as one of the heroes of the 1976 “Miracle at Richfield” playoff run.

1980

Brian Cook is born in Lincoln, Illinois. He was named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 1999.

1986

Martell Webster is born in Edmonds, Washington. His mother, Cora McGuirk, disappeared when Martell was four years old and is suspected to be a victim of notorious serial killer Gary Ridgway, a.k.a. the “Green River Killer.”

1991

Andre Roberson is born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Both his parents were collegiate stars at New Mexico State, father John in basketball and mother Lisa in volleyball.

1993

Darrell Griffith has his jersey #35 retired by the Jazz. Griffith spent his entire 11-year career with the Jazz and became the first player to have his jersey retired by the franchise primarily for his contributions during the team’s seasons in Utah.

1997

Latrell Sprewell is suspended for one year by commissioner David Stern for assaulting Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo during a practice.

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